Sunday, 1 May 2011

New clashes on disputed border despite ceasefire

After two ceasefires in two days and attempts to reach agreement over two ancient temples on the disputed jungle frontier, Thai and Cambodian troops clashed again on Saturday in the ninth day of the countries' bloodiest conflict in decades. By News Wires (text) AFP - Sporadic clashes broke out on the tense Thai-Cambodian border Saturday, both sides said, casting doubt on peace efforts as the countries' bloodiest conflict in decades stretched into a ninth day.

The latest hostilities at two ancient temples on the disputed jungle frontier erupted just hours after Cambodia announced a second truce agreement in as many days, although Bangkok denied knowledge of a new deal.

"There were exchange of firing last night and this morning," he said. "It shows that we cannot trust our counterpart."

Thai army sources also confirmed early morning clashes.

Thailand said Friday's peace talks between commanders from both sides did not amount to a genuine breakthrough in a dispute that has left 16 people dead and displaced more than 85,000 civilians.

"We actually have talked at local officers' level which I hope will lead to a real ceasefire," said Thailand's government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn.

Seven Thai troops and eight Cambodian soldiers have died since the clashes began on April 22, and Bangkok has said a Thai civilian has also been killed.

Hor Namhong returned Saturday from The Hague where he had submitted a request to the World Court to clarify a 1962 ruling about land around the ancient Preah Vihear temple -- an area that has inflamed tensions between the two neighbours.

"The request for the interpretation by the court is a way to resolve the problem peacefully," he said at Phnom Penh airport.

The court ruled more than four decades ago that the 900-year-old temple belonged to Cambodia, but both countries claim ownership of a 4.6-square-kilometre (1.8-square-mile) surrounding area.